NBA Rumors: Ben Simmons Trade Finally Gets a Potential Date, Big News Expected Soon

NBA star Ben Simmons’ dispute with the Philadelphia 76ers seems to be a never-ending saga. The high-profile story around the two parties is updated regularly with fresh revelations. In one such controversial and much talked about development, the Sixers management suspended Simmons for refusing to take part in a defensive drill. The 2020-21 NBA season is currently underway, with franchises competing to qualify for the playoffs.

Last week, an executive, Daryl Morey, indicated the Ben Simmons saga may last quite a while. Morey is the president of basketball operations of the Philadelphia 76ers. He conceded the saga could play out over the lengthy four-year duration of Simmons’ contract. However, new reports suggest that Simmons and the Sixers could receive a much-needed respite from each other soon.

According to Marc Stein, a sports reporter on Substack covering the NBA, a trade deal involving Simmons could happen as early as December 15. Stein reports Morey could pursue “a deal with greater intent,” when the league approaches the December 15 date. The reason for this is that a significant number of NBA players aren’t eligible to trade right now. These players will become tradeable then on that specific date.

This is an attractive opportunity for the Sixers, as free agents become tradeable in the middle of December. Franchises can deal with an offseason free agent on December 15 or three months after signing his new contract. Ben Simmons’ huge contract makes him $33 million this season and this would be hard for a team to commit to. Post-December 15, teams would have the flexibility to include 2021 free-agent signings in a potential deal, adhering to the NBA salary cap rules.

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Sixers taste defeat against the Brooklyn Nets in absence of Ben Simmons

The Philadelphia 76ers fell to a 109-114 defeat against the Brooklyn Nets as the latter clawed their way back into the game. The Sixers were up by ten points, with around five minutes left to play in the fourth quarter. However, they succumbed to defeat as handing the Nets their first away win as LaMarcus Aldridge led the visitors’ comeback.

Aldridge scored 23 points and 5 rebounds off the bench with Kevin Durant scoring 29 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists. Joel Embiid scored 19 points despite enduring a sore right knee injury against New Orleans Pelicans. Ben Simmons has not played for the Sixers since the offseason. The Sixers faced unfamiliar woes as their early lead collapsed to a dynamic Nets attack. The Sixers will hope to bounce back with a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.